Interventions in the Context of the Distressed (Type D) Personality

Abstract

The distressed (Type D) personality is characterized by a general propensity to psychological distress, defined by the combination of high negative affectivity and social inhibition. Across cardiac conditions, Type D patients are at increased risk for impaired health outcomes, including increased morbidity and mortality, and impaired mood and health status. Further, Type Ds are likely to display poor health-related behaviors and are characterized by impaired social functioning. In this chapter, a general introduction on the background, assessment, and clinical relevance of Type D personality is provided. Building on existing evidence, interventions for improving mood and health status, health-related behaviors, and interpersonal functioning in the context of Type D personality are discussed. Finally, practical guidelines for clinicians in the context of Type D personality are provided and suggestions for future work are presented.

Keywords

Placebo Fatigue Depression Cortisol Serotonin

Abbreviations

CABG

Coronary artery bypass grafting

CAD

Coronary artery disease

CBT

Cognitive behavioral therapy

CHF

Chronic heart failure

CREATE

Canadian cardiac randomized evaluation of antidepressant and ­psychotherapy efficacy

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